Who is Lorraine Stanley? What’s her background?

Lorraine is an award-winning actress from Portsmouth and trained at London’s Arts Educational School.

The 41-year-old often plays kind but tough women from a working class background.

She also has a younger sister called Donna.

Who does Lorraine play in EastEnders?

Lorraine plays single mum Karen Taylor, who rocked up to E20 with her children Keanu (Danny Walters), Keegan Baker (Zack Morris), Bernadette (Clair Norris), Riley and Chatham – played by real life brothers Tom and Alfie Jacobs.

Bronson the dog and a bearded dragon named Rooney complete the clan.

Lorraine said: “I’m chuffed to be cast in such an iconic show that I’ve grown up watching. Working with my new family is really quite special, and I’m proud to play their mum.”